NAViGO

Our work in suicide prevention

We have developed a research project that embeds an evidence-based model for suicide prevention across the organisation. This initiative includes several key components aimed at enhancing suicide prevention efforts. All clinically qualified staff are trained to make objective decisions about suicide risk using a bespoke suicide risk triage system, supported by a four-tier real-time supervision structure to ensure effective decision-making.

To further strengthen clinician confidence, a supervision hierarchy has been established, and all Crisis/Hospital Liaison team clinicians are trained in the RCT evidence-based Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework to assess and manage life-threatening behaviours. Additionally, qualitative interviews with service users are conducted to gather insights into the CAMS process, helping to refine and improve services for individuals expressing suicidality. With an open-access, 24/7 Crisis service that responds without delays, support is readily available to anyone experiencing suicidality, regardless of whether they are a mental health service user.

NAViGO members are also an integral part of the local Suicide Prevention Steering Group and chair the Crisis Care Concordat to support appropriate pathways to care for service users presenting with suicidal behaviours.

NAViGO also offer a range of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved evidence-based therapies including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, including immediate access to treatment for those presenting with severe risk of suicide.

Our current priorities

Current priorities include evaluating the CAMS project’s impact on suicide rates, with results shared through academic publications and conferences. Efforts are ongoing to gather feedback from clinicians managing high-risk cases, aiming to enhance their confidence and provide support for those personally or professionally affected by suicide. Collaboration with partner organisations is a key focus, ensuring a coordinated approach to suicide prevention in line with national guidance. Addressing men’s health and suicide risk remains a priority, with a review of barriers to help-seeking for men experiencing suicidality now in publication. Additionally, the local self-harm pathway is being evaluated to ensure diagnostic and biopsychosocial assessments are consistently available, leading to individualised care plans and evidence-based treatments.

Our current challenges

No dedicated service available locally to support those bereaved/affected by suicide – this is one of the priority areas of the regional Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) and is in development

Real-time surveillance and suicide risk reduction for individuals outside of mental health services – working with the local coroner to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of such cases and develop services accordingly, particularly for those cases where help-seeking does not occur and how to ensure we identify any barriers to care or health awareness/promotional inputs that may address this problem